Published: November 14, 2009 12:30 am      

Charges possible in negligent shooting

MANTON -- Wexford County authorities are investigating possible charges against a Manton-area man whose wayward bullet struck and critically injured a Lake City man.

Edward Hutchinson, 56, was standing outside his vehicle in the area of North 35 and East 8 roads in Wexford County's Greenwood Township Thursday afternoon when a bullet struck him in the left shoulder.

Hutchinson was airlifted to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids and remained in critical condition Friday.

Two men contacted the Wexford Sheriff's Department early Friday and said they may be responsible. The men were shooting a 30.06 rifle for target practice, and deputies believe the men didn't know they shot Hutchinson.

The men contacted police after they heard about the incident and realized they were shooting in the area, Wexford Detective Sgt. Trent Taylor said.

"(There was) no intent to shoot anyone or in anyone's direction, it was just negligence," he said.

Information about the incident will be sent to the Wexford County prosecutor's office for review.